MODEL- DCR-HC20 VENDOR- SONY CONSUMER FEATURES- MiniDV Handycam Camcorder The Sony DCR-HC20 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder packs big features in a small package. It features a large 2.5 hybrid SwivelScreen LCD display with touch panel controls a high-quality Carl Zeiss Vario- Tessar lens NightShot Plus infrared recording system and USB streaming capabilities all in a case that is 25% smaller than last years model. It even includes the innovative Easy Handycam button which automates most functions and makes recording a snap. Why settle for anything less than a Sony? Includes Camcorder AC-L25 Power Adaptor/In Camera Charger NP-FP50 InfoLithium Rechargeable Battery RMT-830 Wireless Remote Commander Remote Control CR2025 Battery Multi A/V Cable LCD Cleaning Cloth USB Cable CD-ROM w/ USB Driver (Picture Package Software v.1.0 for Sony).* 1/6 Advanced HAD CCD Imager 680K Pixels Gross 1/6 Advanced HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD with 340K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution) and still image performance.* MiniDV Recording Offers up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution 3X color bandwidth (vs. VHS) and significantly higher S/N ratio to provide stunning video performance.* 10X Optical/120X Digital Zoom The optical zoom helps to bring the action up close from far away. In addition the digital zoom interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer with less distortion than previous types of digital zooms.* 2.5 Hybrid SwivelScreen Touch Panel LCD Display (123K Pixels) Provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resolution. The 123K pixel LCD display makes images sharp and detailed during playback or when monitoring recording. The Hybrid Reflective-Transmissive LCD Screen provides accurate viewing in sunlight or bright light virtually eliminating the wash-out common with traditional LCD Screens.* Professional Quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced o...
1 Not bad but it has since been discontinued...
Just got this at the Sony Outlet at an amazing price (they wanted to get rid of this model)for $280. The outlet only sells "refurbished" items so I was kinda nervous in purchasing this from them. I got the $20 3-yr repair plan (do not bother with the replacement plan! AON Risk is the carrier and they are a hassle) just to cover myself. There were a few tiny scuff marks on the refurbed HC20 but other than that nothing else. I tested it extensively and it works like a charm.
The picture is ultra crisp in daylight. At night time well, its not as good. But I mean its not horrible but its not the greatest (other MiniDV Cams can do better). The size of this cam is awesome, very lightweight and easy to tote around. The touch LCD screen may take some getting use to but it works well. Just don't push on it too hard!
Sound wise? Well there is a slight buzzing sound that can be picked up by the mic. When you are shooting a quiet scene you'll hear it so... The Canon ZR-100 is even louder! I returned that one for various things. Other than that it picks up sound well.
Optical zoom? Here's the downfall of this cam. 10x is pretty sad but it really all depends on what you are using this cam for. Me? I don't need a high optical zoom but today's model come with 20x standard. Who cares about digital zoom, what a waste!
I use the iLink / Firewire to import video to my iMac G5. Works like a charm. BUT this model you CAN NOT transfer VHS to MiniDV. That's a drag. I have another Sony Digital 8 TRV-520 that can do this - import VHS footage to digital. That cam has since been used just for that. Its actually a pretty good cam but the Digital 8 format is slowly being phased out. Plus its a monster to lug around.
Overall i am happy with this. If you are a gadget freek or someone that films 24-7 do not even look at this model. This is for people on a budget and just want a point and shoot MiniDV.
Actually this model is no longer being sold. The HC21 took its place and has the 20x optical zoom. If you are in the market for an affordable MiniDV cam look at the HC21. OR if you find a refurbished HC20 mine as well get it (Only if its from the Sony Outlet!!!!)
2 Good when it doesn't brake for no reason
I bought this camcorder 8 months ago and I have been pretty happy with it until my i-link port just burned from the inside and stopped working for no special reason. I called Sony and explained them the problem, they asked for $216 labor cost repair. I'm very disappointing by Sony and their product the DCRHC20. Plus, I felt I was talking to a robot when on the phone with Sony... You won't find me buying Sony anytime soon.
3 fine camcorder, terrible customer service
After receiving this camcorder, which is fine, I read a lot of reviews about the poor battery camera. I was especially concerned about reviews of the battery lasting only 8 minutes.
So, I contacted Sony asking if the issue had been resolved or if there are any proactive steps I could take to stem the issue. I got nothing but the runaround and never a straight answer. I eventually returned the camcorder for another brand.
I never had the chance to extensively use the camcorder, but I did tape about 10 minutes and it seemed fine and easy to use.
However, I would be leary about a company that will not stand behind a product nor give a consumer a straight answer.
Bottom line: fine enough camcorder and terrible customer service. I find it extremely unlikely I will ever purchase another Sony product again.
4 Tiny and great camera, but..
Have had this camera for 2 months now and it is the best video camera I have owned. Edited the video clips with imovie and pleased with the results. I would have given it 5 stars but, unlike the instructions state, I cannot upload any VHS tapes or 8MM tapes from the VCR or my old video because Sony does not make a 3 plug AV to 1394 adapter cable. I can download from the camera to the VCR or DVD recorder fine. This is a major disappointment as I have many VHS tapes that need editing.
5 Like the Camera, but not SONY. Beware of Battery Drain
I purchased the HC-40 about 4 months ago. It is a very nice compact camera, great quality pics/videos. However, I too have battery drain problems. Camera won't charge batteries, and the ones I charge in the optional charger I bought are dead within a day (when left in the camera and the camera is turned off). Sony refuses to acknowledge that they are aware of the problem and they say I have to pay $216 for labor since I am past the 3 month labor warranty. Again a nice camera, too bad it is made by a company who won't stand behind their product. Either buy the extended warranty, or sock away an extra $216 for repair, or just save yourself the headache and BUY ANOTHER CAMERA.
UPDATE. Sony has waived the $216 repair costs. Still you may wish to consider buying the extended warranty when your buy this camera.
6 Sony quality at its best
In May I finally decided to replace my old Panasonic VHS camcorder, dating from the mid 80s. I had looked at the Canon, Panasonic, and Sony. The Sony was the most expensive of the entry level models, but I wound up buying it.
The lens, made by Carl Zeiss, is a professional quality lens. The pictures are much sharper and crisper than on the Panasonic or the Canon. I have friends who own both types and I know for a fact that the red is best on Sony's offering and subpar on the others. (This is also true of Sony TVs--when I was shopping for my 24" Sony TV it had better red than any Panasonic, RCA, JVC, Hitachi, or Zenith).
Battery life is good off the included 2 hour battery, but if you're serious about taping you should buy a second battery. The camera goes nicely on a tripod and is so small it fits in the pocket of a pair of khaki pants.
If you don't mind a black and white viewfinder (which is fine since the LCD screen is in color) buy this one. It uses MiniDV tapes, which are falling in price and offer very high quality output.
7 WARNING about software and picture function
Warning! The software that comes with this product is worthless! This model does not have a memory stick and that's what the software is based around. I found this out after hours spent trying to view pictures on my computer. I verified this with the company that wrote the program, Pixela. Sony pleads ignorance. You may be able to view images on a television or do some editing with Windows Movie Maker, but god help you if you're not running Windows XP. I couldn't get it to do anything on a computer running Windows ME. What an annoying way to spend a Saturday.
8 Best Camera for size, quality and price
In my pursuit of the perfect camera, at the right price, I spent way too long pouring over online reviews, Consumer Reports articles and digital camera magazines. After a couple of weeks of labor (which included actually going out to the local stores and getting a "feel" for each camera -- a practice I highly recommend before purchase) the Sony DCR-HC20 came out on top of the rest by a full head.
Forget any of the complaints you might have read about the 7 sec delay on still shots: camcorders shouldn't be used for real photos anyway and any half-decent editing software comes with the ability to save still images straight from your footage. Also forget any complaints you might have heard about the bundled editing software: yes, it's nearly useless but again the basic software your home computer likely shipped with is all you will need to start putting together beautiful home-movies yourself (just don't forget you'll need to buy a fire-wire seperately).
The bottom line is this camera is about as light, sleek and easy to use as they come and the manufacturer was able to pack a heck of a camera into the small unit because they didn't waste time on unecessary extras like high resolution still photo shooting and the like. If you're looking for the highest quality and most user friendly camera you can find under $500, then this is the camera for you. Period. I know this sounds like a sales pitch but the truth is I'd just like to save any of you like-minded consumers out there a little bit of time and let you know the camera that perfectly fit my bill: home-movies, amateur film shorts and family documents all on an extremely doable budget.
Enjoy!
(p.s. -- in case you don't want to take my word for it: the HC20 is, by far and away, the highest rated camcorder under $500 and the ONLY recommended buy of the current Mini-DV line...)
9 There is a serious battery drain problem with entire line!
I've had my HC20 camcorder for a little over 6 months (just past the extended warranty from my Visa card! Darn it!). Just the other day, I noticed that my camera was dead even though I charged the battery completely just 2 days earlier. So I charged it again last night and it was fully charged and fine. This morning, I turn it on and it has only 8 minutes of recording time left! And I noticed the Camera lamplight is flashing green, which I never noticed before. I asked Sony about it and they don't know what I'm talking about. But from reading other discussion groups, it appears the flashing light is slowly draining my battery life. (See www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t107753.html)
Sony claims they have no record of this problem and suggests I pay the $216 to get it sent and "factory reset" by sending it their technicians. I was surprised they have never heard of this problem despite what I've read in forums about the HC40 and HC20 with this problem. How can they expect us to pay almost 50% of the price of the camera for a problem that seems to be inherent in their technology.
This is ridiculous. I have a Sony PDA and digital camera as well. But these will be my last Sony products I buy!
10 So so effort
Camera is light weight and has plenty of functions, however, the softward to burn the tape to CDR or edit the tape is terrible. Basically, I can only hook up the camera to the TV to watch the video.
11 My SONY Camcorder quit for no reason
I had the same thing happen with my SONY DCR-TRV19 after exactly one year. So I called the Sony support number. After holding for 45 minutes they told me my warrenty was 12 months parts, 90 days labor. They were nice enought to wave the parts seeing it is a few days past a year but they want $219 for labor!!!!!
If you search the web this is a common problem with the SONY DCR-TVR19 / DCR-TRV22 / DCR-TRV33.
I realy wish I'd bought a JVC. They are rated beter and less expensive. I do know that's the last Sony product I'm going to buy. 90 day warrenty for $500 dollar product is terrible.
Mine doesn't have a single scratch and has NEVER been dropped.
This years models are:
DCR-HC20 / DCR-HC30 GARBAGE DCR-HC65 / DCR-HC85 CHEAPJUNK
It appears the first to use the same 680k CCD. A likely culprit for this problem.
Check your warrenties.
JUNK JUNK JUNK
Mike Grimm, IL.
12 Just got it, but......
I just got this camera, and have not used it for anything big yet. I will say though, that I love the size, and the little clips that I have taken of my dogs have been wonderful. They were taken inside my home, and I didn't see anything wrong with the quality. I had a Sony Handycam 8mm at one time, and I can say that this tops it!.. We purchased this to take with us on a trip to Seattle next month for a family reunion, and the size will make it ideal for traveling. I will update after I get the chance to play with it some more. I am satisfied with it already though!
13 NOt upto expectation
I owned Sony analog camcorder for long time. Recently I bought this one for digital storage and compact size.
I am suprised to see very poor quality video compare to my old analog camcorder. video is really dark and not worth taking in home(Even on bright day). I continue use old analog camcorder for family video.
14 Love it, but like anything...
There are a few improvements that could be made. The Lens doesn't give you a wide enough angle (accessory wide angle lens can be purchased for $50, don't know how well it will work though). Need to be able to add an accessory wind buffer for the built in microphone (buffeting is excessive). And lastly, Sony should include the firewire cable with the unit, so you can skip the bundled software altogether. Other than those things, it performs very well. The Lcd touch screen is great. The battery life has exceeded my expectations, and the video quality is good. Personally, I bought this unit because I want it for video. I use my Canon 3.1 mpxl digital elph for stills. Since this unit does not have the memory stick slot, I would recomend stepping up to the 30 or 40 if stills are important to you. This unit has terrific video quality for the price. Add the firewire cable, the wide angle lense and the buffered accessory mic, and you have a great set-up. Also, just a tip from an IT professional... don't buy the brand name firewire cable they always position near the cameras. Go to the computer section of the electronics store and buy a generic brand cable for less than half the price.
15 Great for 1st time buyer!
I did alot of research before finnaly just going with the sony, it seemed to have less options than others I was looking at, but what it does it does better. So far I have used it in complete dark filming fireworks at the beach, worked like a champ, great picture quality...and around the house the video is also perfect, and the battery last forever. I am very impressed buy this little camera! Oh and dont be fouled by the low digital zoom, in fact this thing really reaches out their!
16 Good bang for buck!
I just got this camcorder yesterday and the unit is pretty impressive. It's very light has a comfy feel in your hand and took a 5 minute sequence of around my home and downloaded it on my comp using just the USB cable and I must say the quality is pretty acceptable. I encountered no dropped frames and the VCD quality as I said earlier is good. Have to try out the firewire output once I get the cable. Low-light quality is good (especially with Night-Shot) and the only complaint I have is the field of view when fully zoomed out seems limited, didn't see that covered in any of the reviews I've read. Would have been better if I could get wider angle but I am pretty satisfied. I'd definly recommend it. I wish they'd provided the firewire cable too, who uses USB these days to capture video?
17 Convenient size and easy to use
I chose the HC20 because of it's size and price (it didn't cost an arm and a leg). I found it fairly easy to set up. The touch-screen is also pretty simple to use, and for those few who may find the manual overwhelming, there's a button on the side of the camera to use "Easy" mode.
If you're a Mac OSX user, and I am, I highly recommend an Apple FireWire/Sony i.Link Compatible cable and scrapping the software disk that comes with the camera. iMovie is already installed and works flawlessly with this camera.
18 It's completely a joke
I bought this camcorder based on the high rating on this site and Circuitcity ratings and it's on the way back to the store after two days trial.
I want a good simple Cam to tape my baby and HC20 got my attention due to price, Sony brand, sony famous lowlight performance, digital transfer and specially small.
Pro:
- USB, Firewire video/audio transfer to PC
- Small, easy to carry around.
Con:
- Video and video quality.
- Low light performance is useless.
I taped my baby in the bedroom and living using whatever light available but I don't consider low light especially I expect low lux performing but when I play on the TV, the picture is dark, too much noise and soft. the sound is ok. that is a little disappointed.
Then the next day, I try to tape during the day time, around 6pm in Cali. and play back in the tape, quality is just alright, but once the digital zoom kick in, you can't see any more, all blur. If you happen to see a bad VCD thenyou know what I am talking about.
Think about it, small CCD will cause quality suffer.
I have used the TRV27 in the past so I am going to get the TRV38.
Update:
I got my TRV38 and I am happy with it however keep in mind I paid $200 extra for this one: and what I get more:
- Better in low light, very low noise in a dim room
- Super image stablizer: very stable when play back.
- Brilliant 3" LED display and Color view finder.
- 1MP and 690K affective video resolution, so you can do a little digital zoom w/o suffer video quality.
- Quality build.
I read a lot of reviews so I chose TRV38 (old model) rather than HC40 or TRV65 as newer.
19 my new best friend
i picked up one of these 2 days after they hit the stores and i'm really happy with it. my intention was to buy an older floor model--i didn't realize these were even out yet-- but the second i picked this one up it blew the competition away. it's very intuitive, which is great for lazy people like me who can't be bothered to read manuals.
when i bought it i was really worried about lighting indoors and motor noise which are often reported problem with so many video cameras. since i bought the camera to record acting monologues this could have been a deal breaker but all i need is an adequately lit room, i haven't heard any motor noise. it's also been a trooper at graduations and other more usual camcorder duties. if you buy one you're gonna get a lot of envious stares and more than a few questions so be prepared.
i can't imagine there's a better deal unless something earth shattering has been released since february. i'm happy with the battery life, it feels solidly made. the only cons are that 1) the still photos aren't that great but they're good enough in a pinch and 2) the zoom is sensitive and takes some getting used to. i'd but another one in a second, it was worth every cent.
20 Great for a beginner
I bought this camera for my sister -- she had no camcorder experience. This camera is designed with that customer in mind, although it also has features that appeal to the amateur cinematographer. Perhaps the best feature is the hybrid touch-screen LCD. Instead of clustering a hopelessly confusing array of buttons next to the LCD (where you can't see them) Sony made the LCD viewscreen touch-sensitive. Depending on what you're doing (play/record) there are different options on the screen to touch. This is not only good for beginners, but also extremely convenient for people who are experienced. Additionally, Sony made the camcorder super-easy to turn on and record- press the "on" button once for record, twice for play. Other manufacturers have an assortment of little icons on a miniature wheel you have to turn to select functions. This makes it difficult (especially at night) to see what you're selecting. No such problem. In fact, there are only 6 buttons on the whole camcorder. And if this elegantly simple design isn't enough for grandma to use the camcorder, Sony thoughtfully included an "Easy" button. This button enlarges all the text on the screen ("Play", "Battery life", etc.) so that people who have poor eyesite can use the device with ease. In making it easy to operate, Sony didn't nix all the features that amateurs moviemakers want, though. The camera still has a Program AE mode, full manual focus control (via touchscreen buttons) and NightShot Plus for filming in complete darkness. It also has a built in lens cover- a nice feature, as many other camcorders have a snap off cover, resulting in a clicking noise as it slaps against the side of the unit while you record Little League games. Picture quality is good, and the camera does a good job adjusting between lighting and motion situations. Color is particularly well saturated for a camera in this price range. Overall I would say this product is extremely well designed, easy to use, and provides satisfactory picture quality (above average for the pricepoint). I would recommend it to any family as a good choice for family movies.
21 DCRHC20, A great camcorder, and a great value
I received my Sony DCRHC20 Handycam a couple of days ago, and it is everything if not more than I expected. I needed a relatively inexpensive, compact, digital camcorder. The HC20 is one of the smallest Mini DV format camcorders to hit the market this year. It also comes with a price tag comperable to other Mini DV camcorders that are considerably larger at $499. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
-Small size
-Built in lens cap so you never again pick up the sound of the lens cap hitting the side of the camera.
-Record Button on the LCD screen is a nice touch
-Touch Screen LCD provides a sleeker, less cluttered look to the camcorder, and as a PDA user, I got used to the screen very very quickly.
-Remote Control is great! I use it to review tape in playback mode. It could also be great for taking group shots at a family reunion or something where you want to be in the photo.
-One thing I never saw online while shopping for camcorders is that this model comes with two really unique modes. One allows the camcorder to take time lapse video and the other takes 6 frames of video every time you press record allowing you to do stop motion animation (The type of animation used to do claymation like Gumby or Wallace and Grommit).
Cons:
-No anchors for a shoulder strap. If you want to carry it around a theme park or something you need a case. However this ins't a major problem due to it's small size.
-It doesn't come with a firewire cable. This also isn't a major deal because you can just use the supplied USB. I have seen ALOT of reviewers say you have to have a firewire etc. YOU DO NOT NEED A FIREWIRE TO IMPORT TO A PC. YOU CAN DO IT WITH THE USB. I do not reccomend using the hideous software provided by Sony, but I hooked up the USB, installed the drivers and I was importing into Adobe Premiere within 10 minutes.
As for a case to keep it all in. I bought a Lowepro EX 120 camcorder case, and it fits the camcorder, remote, 2 tapes, and charger unit perfectly. It could hold a spare battery too. Just in case anybody is looking for a good case for their purchace, it was about $20.
22 Very Good Camera but HOPELESS software
I so agree with "brucex", the person/s who designed this software should really be given life imprisonment...oh my god its just useless.
You cant copy raw video to PC but the picture package creates its own Video with its own effects and sounds...What Good is that...I just want my video as it is...For that the online HELP tells me you shud use a Third Party software..ahhhh
But the Camcorder MINUS software is just great....Its very easy to understand and use...
The touchscreen feature is fabulous and light/sound clarity is wonderful.
This cute camcorder definitely deserves 5 but the BAD software takes point away.
I wish Sony could come up with easier and better software for HC-20 and replace our CDs.
23 Great camera, abominable software
This is a wonderful camera for amateurs like me -- I won't speak for people who really demand the finest image quality, but the pictures look great to me. It's incredibly small and packed with features for such a low price. I got used to the touch-screen immediately and it's well-designed.
I would give it a solid 5 stars if it were not for the bundled Pixela Picture Package software. Any people involved with the existence of this product in any manner should be placed in solitary confinement for life, far away from computers so they can inflict no more damage upon the world. This product can play a videotape (with audio) on a PC, and it can copy the video to a PC (without audio -- it puts music there instead), but it can't copy video and audio to a PC!
I was sure that feature must be there somewhere -- isn't that the most obvious reason to connect a camcorder to a PC -- but other postings confirmed that this feature is indeed missing. And another feature I wanted -- burning a VCD -- doesn't seem to work. Online help and web help are useless.
Buy the camera, but save yourself the agony: ditch the software.
24 Excellent Ultra-Portable Camcorder
This is a great little camcorder. It feels sturdy, is lightweight, and I can hold it in one hand securely. The video is also quite excellent.
I was debating whether to buy this or one of the Canon ZRs. Even though I was not sure if I would be shooting a lot indoors or not, I like knowing that I can, especially with the Sony's infrared light. The reduced zoom compared to the Canons was a minor issue for me, but I thought that the improved low-light quality of the Sony compensated for it.
The touch screen only functionality of this cam took some getting used to, but as this was my first camcorder, I was not used to any other system. It does not appear that LCD-only buttons is a major drawback, and in fact, I got used to it quite quickly. Also, I can appreciate that there are fewer buttons on the body itself to add to a cluttered appearance.
The built-in lens cover is quite nice as there is no losing it, and also, I think, could be useful for quick manual transitions when shooting.
The camera itself is very compact, and slim. About 2" thick, I can slip this baby into my pocket and go, albiet, large pocket, but it's still amazingly small.
The zoom is very rapid, and the rocker allows variable-speed zooms.
The photo function is nice to have, but I wish that the 7-second audio with each picture was variable, or could be turned off altogether, but as with all camcorders, the photo function is just a nicety, and serious photos should be taken with a real camera, not a video camcorder.
All in all, this is a great miniDV camcorder. I have no basis for reference as this is my first, but I love it, and have no regrets in spending $460 of my limited college-student budget =) on this. I recall three years ago my friend and I were making a film for science class with his hi-8 camcorder, especially the pain of having to manually control a VCR to tranfer the film onto a regular VHS tape. But no more, with miniDV, I can edit and output a film in just a few minutes. WIth the help of a firewire cord (sold separately), on the first day I was able to import the film onto my computer and make a short film clip using Windows Movie Maker. It worked beautifully, so I didn't bother installing the software that came with the cam, since I've heard that it is useless.
PROS:
Lightweight and compact
Excellent film quality
Infrared Lamp
Bright, functional LCD
MINOR CONS:
Constrained still-photo function
Relatively short zoom
25 Great little camcorder but the software sucks
I purchased the Sony DCRHC20 camcorder over the weekend and am very happy with it so far except for the bundled software. I consider myself a very tech oriented person and I got so frustrated trying to copy the video from tape to pc that I called Sony's tech support line. Surprisingly, the tech told me that there was no way to copy the video from the camera to the pc using their software without using the special effects tool. He had me use Windows Movie Maker to get the task done. It was an easy solution, but you would think that such a basic function would be built into the software. Another thing that I thought was odd, was the software didn't list my Sony DVD burner as a supported drive. Hmmmm. On the positive side, the ease of use and the small size really sold me. I also like the menu system on the touch LCD screen. For such a small camera with a low price, it has many nice features. It is a nice entry level digital camcorder.
26 Lovely little camcorder!
I was looking at the new $899 upright sony camcorder (can't remember the part number) as it looked the smallest, however, on my visit to the store I found that this is much smaller. No need to worry about photos as that is quite frankly a complete waste of time as it just records movies (as you'd expect from a camcorder!)
Luckily I am a Mac user and as such have a software program called iMovie. Using the Firewire cable (iLink) the camera performs exceptionally and I'm able to control the camera via the on screen interface. No need to concern myself with the windows software, which by all accounts is pretty bad.
All in all for anyone interested in just a camcorder this is perfect. Great indoors and out.
27 Great Camcorder
Originally i purchased the canon zr65 and found that outside on a sunny day the picture was great, but indoor in normal lighting conditions the quality was poor. I then purchased this camera and was extremely happy with the picture quality of the camera in any lighting condition (500 lines of resolution).
Also - the camera is small enough to fit in the palm of my hand - so it is extremely easy to carry around.
28 5 stars despite some observed quirks
When I first saw this on sonystyle.com, I immediately fell in love with it and really wanted to get one. Moreso since I was about to go on a vacation with my family and I wanted to capture precious moments of my son with it.
I was finally able to get one and I am absolutely happy with it. I love it's compact size in its very affordable package. The features are just right for me.
I agree with one of the reviews, though, that the software sucks. It doesn't read the hardware connected via USB (maybe it will work better with an i.Link cable). The pictures and video on the camera did not appear in a new folder. The only thing that works is when you go to the video package option which automatically creates an MTV of what's in the tape.
Although I found out that it's better to use a separate video editing package which can also recognize the device and capture images and video from it. I'm currently using Roxio's Video Impression.
Another quirk that I noticed was hours after taking a scene, I noticed that the "camera" light was blinking although the unit was off. I then tried to record but when I pressed the "rec" button it would switch unexplicably to playback. However, when I press the "rec" button on the LCD screen it temporarily fixed my dilemma.
I tried removing the tape and the battery momentarily and it still manifested the same problem. My last recourse was to disconnect the battery overnight. Fortunately, it worked and nearly gave me the scare of my life. Anyway, I think the change in temperatures (I was in the beach you see and the hotel rooom was airconditioned) plus the length of time the battery was connected to the camera influenced the performance of the unit.
Despite this experience, I still rate the camera 5 stars because of its overall package. I would still recommend it to those who are looking for a basic-featured, compact, yet affordable digital video imaging device.
29 Is there something wrong with mine?
Well the camcorder is aesthetically pleasing, but the software is just plain horrible. My boyfried is a computer wiz and couldn't figure it out. We had to install it three times before it even loaded all the components. Now my computer runs really slow and it takes about 10 minutes for 2 minutes of tape to transfer. As for the still photo, you can shoot it without the 7 seconds of sound. It's in the manual. You tap the button lightyly for just the image, and hold it down longer for the audio recording. I read the software manual and still wasn't able to view the still pictures in the Picture Package. The indoor lighting was bad, but I guess i'll just have to adjust it manually. Overall the picture is good but the software is horrible.
30 Great Cam.
Absolutely beautiful picture in a tiny package. I love this camcorder.
31 Sony HandyCam DCR-HC20
This is great MiniDV camera for under $495. It has great features, like touch screen rotating LCD screen, a boot for optional light or microphone. Good picture quality and built in microphone records clear crisp sound. The size is amazingly compact, fits in a palm and can probably put in a coat pocket. I have not connected it to my computer yet to record VCD or DVD. It has good video editing features such as black/white fade. If you play your recorded video to watch it on your camcorder and want to begin recording, you can do it by the push of a button, and the camera forwards to the empty recording point on the tape so that you dont record over any scenes. With a memory DV casette you can add titles and text to your recording and scenes, it comes with a remote control allows you to skip to different scenes on the tape.
32 Small,stunning video, lightweight, great battery
The DCRHC20 was not one of the camcorders on my shopping list, but that changed the minute I picked it up. It is small and lightweight(about 1lb), and by that I mean I can hold this thing all day without getting a cramp in my arm. Compared to the Sony 8mm I used in the past, the video quality on this blows it away in every way. The night shot is beautiful, outside shots are crisp and vibrant, and the indoor video is easily adjusted to compensate for lack of light. I have only played the video back on the TV so far, and it looks and sounds amazing! A hot shoe is on this thing to accept a video light, microphone etc. Sony thought of everything. All of the hookups are there for the VCR, computer, or whatever you want to hook thing in to. I have not tried the included software so I cannot comment on it at this time.
It is a wonderful camcorder if you want it small, easy to use, and packed with many other features that I don't have time to list. You can't go wrong with this one, see for yourself, and have fun with it.
33 Haven't spent much time with it, but...
i figured i would review it since Amazon's reviews have always helped me in the past. I am going from an old Canon 8mm, so this is my first DV camcorder. First, it is very small, in a good way. It feels solid, but not bulky. The controls are very responsive and fast. The LCD uses a touchscreen menu, i wasn't sure i would like it, but it's great. Since the menu can change with every screen, you aren't limited by a few buttons. It also has an integrated manual lens cover. The charger plugs directly into the camera, so no bulky chargers either.
The quality is good, but again, i haven't done anything more than a few test shots. I already have a 4MP digital camera, so i didn't care about photos and i didn't want to buy into Sony's Memory Stick scam. Apparently after a photo, it records 7 seconds of sound. Quite annoying.
My goal is to shoot vids of my kids and burn them to DVD with my PC. The camera comes with all the cables you need, except the firewire/IE444?/I-link cable. You can do USB transfer, but i've heard its not as good as firewire. I am very happy with this purchase and plan on keeping it.
34 Received this camcorder yesterday.
This camcorder is very small, light and cute. I tested it in my apartment in regular light. The picture was a little bit grainy, but not too much. Would llke to read comments of other people that have used this camcorder about low-light performance. The other issue I see is that you can make still pictures on the Mini-DV tape. However, the camera then records a 7-second sound byte, and there's no way to turn off that 7-second delay. That does not make any sense. Also, the balck-and-white viewfinder is not very good. If you want to be really happy, pay $100 extra and buy DCR-HC30. However, in terms of battery life and weight, this one comes out on top and is probably sufficient for most users. I assume that most people want to have more control over still images anyway and would buy a digital camera in order to make good digital photos.
Overall, this is a very nice product, as you'd expect from Sony.
35 yes!
Excellent camera for an excellent price! Way to go Sony!
